The first edition (1986) of this book became immediately recognized for its professional treatment of this important subject. Several thousand copies of this book are used worldwide. R. Lambourne, the Editor of the first edition assembled the team of leading specialists in different fields of this multidisciplinary subject. They had the knowledge and experience to write with authority.

The paints and coatings technology is composed of very diverse scientific subjects too difficult for one author to master. For example color measurement and paint rheology require very different expertise. Early in the process it was decided that the highest quality book can be obtained if experts in different fields will be given tasks to write about the subject they have practiced for many years. On the other hand, the multi authored books usually suffer from the lack of coordination. To address this matter, authors and editor working for one company were selected to make team effort possible. The aim was to fill the existing gap in scientific literature which is lacking a modern textbook/monograph on paints and coatings. The changes in chemical and paint industries in the last 12 years made sections of the book ready for a thorough revision, thus this second edition become necessary. The former Editor is joined in this task by T. A. Strivens and several new authors. The previous chapters were updated and two additional chapters written to create the book to serve the industry in the first part of the 21st century.

It is not only this multidisciplinary treatment which makes this book so special that it can serve as the only needed source of information but the key to its success and usefulness is in the subtitle theory and practice which makes this book so indispensable. The authors of chapters employed by the large paint and coatings producer had to their disposal unique resources which resulted in this important combination of practical knowledge on how to design these products based on theoretical findings and analysis of field results.

The first part of the book, composed of five chapters, deals with the chemistry of paint manufacture. Here, polymers, pigments, solvents, and additives are discussed. These chapters are also designed to provide reader with suggestions regarding the use of these raw materials in different types of paints. The next three chapters discuss physical chemistry of dispersion, particle size measurement and the processes of paint making. The presence of these chapters in the beginning makes further discussion of different coatings easier to understand. Paints and coatings available in the market are grouped and discussed in five chapters devoted to coatings for buildings, automotive paints, automotive refinish paints, general industrial paints, and coatings for marine applications. Each type of paint is evaluated from the point of view of requirements, composition, substrates, effect of application conditions on performance, effect of metal corrosion on performance and its removal from substrates, methods of application, and future trends.

The next five chapters are devoted to the characteristics of coatings performance such as rheology, mechanical properties, appearance and durability. Here, in addition to the background of these studies, the reference is made to the composition and paint performance in the field. The book is concluded with two new chapters on application of computers and modelling in the paint industry and health and safety recommendations. These chapters refer to the most recent changes in the approaches taken to design a paint and required performance characteristics in environment cautious of pollution (these elements of thought are also included in the chapters on individual paints).

This combination of topics makes usefulness of the book going beyond the paint manufacture. All industries using paints and coatings will find this book a must to have because it helps to avoid many costly mistakes and enhances results of coating all because of its completeness, competence of authors, numerous examples and data, and the clear explanation of this complex subject which can be done if one has the benefit of these authors experience. This results with scientific monograph, textbook and practical guide in one volume for novice and expert.

Paint Composition and ApplicationsOrganic Film FormersPigments for PaintsSolvents and ThinnersAdditives for PaintPhysical Chemistry of DispersionsParticle Size and Size MeasurementThe Industrial Paint Making ProcessCoatings for BuildingsAutomotive PaintsAutomotive Refinish PaintsGeneral Industrial Paints and ProcessesPainting of ShipsRheology of PaintsMechanical Properties of Paints and CoatingsAppearance Qualities of PaintSpecification and Control of AppearanceDurability TestingComputers and Modeling in Paint and Resin FormulatingHealth and Safety in the Coatings Industry